3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that we have not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
I really found the concept of "need gratification" interesting. It talks about why do receivers (people) turn to the media in the first place. According to many theorists who argue that they do so in order to fulfill preexisting needs. The author says, "uses and gratifications research focuses on the needs that motivate media consumers."
Receivers know what they need and they go about getting it. Another example woiuld be the research done by Herta Herzog who wanted to see why women turn to soap operas. Herzog determined that listeners used the soaps for emotional release, fantasy escape and used the show for advice with their own problems.
I never really thought about why people watch and listen to media; I always thought it was for pure entertainment only, but clearly there are some psychological factors involved in it.
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I found this part interesting as well. We all have need, and different people have different ways of obtaining their needs. I like that you mentioned the Soap Opera example. If you look at the time that soap operas on time it is obvious who they cater to, and it is women who are making it so successful.
ReplyDeleteI do not like Bill O'Riely. In fact, I think it is safe to say that I dislike him. But whenever I get upset at someone or soemthing I watch his show. Why you might ask? Well I will tell you. I can not get mad at people. I am not good at confrontation so instead I just turn the other cheek. But Bill O'Riely...I love to yell at him. Would I do it in real life? Probably not. But when I have the need to get rid of built up aggression, he is my man (well, his show). Thus, yelling at the show fulfills my need.
Good post!
It is interesting to look at people's means of escape and self help in their lives. Sometimes when I am mad I like to go out and do some sort of physical activity. But, when I come home I like to watch a comedy on TV. It helps cheer myself up and not take things so seriously.
ReplyDeleteThe soap opera is a good example. It is the same as women reading romantic novels but, TV gives us the instant gratification that books and other coping tactics we use. It is funny how we sometimes don't even realize our patterns of need gratification. It takes a while to understand that we have this need gratification in the first place. Of all the habbits we have as everyday people our gratifications can become unconcious.